Everyone — from former mayoral candidates to local Reddit users — is discussing the possibility of rail transportation in and out of Chattanooga.
Leaders from Georgia + Tennessee have also been talking about a plan for high-speed ground transportation + Amtrak is looking to expand its services into cities, like Chattanooga.
Chattanooga’s place between major cities, such as Nashville and Atlanta, makes it an ideal possible stop for Amtrak, which already has infrastructure in the area. | Image by Amtrak
Amtrak’s 2035 vision includes:
🚅 a possible route from Atlanta to Nashville, with a stop in Chattanooga 🚅 30+ potential new routes, including the additions of Chattanooga + Nashville 🚅 the addition of more than 160 communities 🚅 multiple daily trips in 15 more states
The most recent discussions on a state level appear to have comelast year, when the Tennessee legislature’s transportation committee approved a measure that could lead to a feasibility study to assess possible train routes from Nashville to Atlanta, plus how much they would cost and who would pay for them.
A 2017 report from the federal government proposed:
🚅 120 miles of rail between Chattanooga + Atlanta 🚅 8stops between here and Atlanta on I-75 🚅 Stops: Downtown Chattanooga 👉 Chattanooga airport 👉Dalton, GA 👉 Cartersville, GA 👉 Marietta, GA, 👉 Cobb County 👉 Downtown ATL
Part two of that 2017 study depends on additional funding.
Do you want to see investment in infrastructure for rail transportation?
Edu ○Hamilton County Schools announced the creation ofMath Matters, an initiative that engages students in math through a combination of gameplay + traditional lessons. Students can access the program on any device at any time through the Classlink website.
Community ○ River City Co. + other event organizers want your feedback on future downtown events and programs. Those who complete the survey will have a chance to win a $100 gift card to a restaurant, retailer, or attraction of their choice in Downtown Chattanooga. Take the survey here.
Traffic ○ The TDOT contract crews have completed construction of the bridge on Belvoir Avenue over I-24 — which has been closed since April 20, 2020 — and the bridge is now open to traffic. The Belvoir Avenue Bridge construction is part of a larger $32.9-million project. ○ As part of the bridge replacement project on I-24 over Germantown Road, TDOT will soon implement several weekend closures of I-24 for bridge construction. The first closure is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of April 16. Watch this video for more information. 🚧
Watch ○ Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile is taking her upcoming memoir “Broken Horses” on a virtual book tour + she will talk to two of Tennessee’s favorite natives — Chattanooga’s Leslie Jordan and Sevierville’s legendary Dolly Parton. (Rolling Stone)
ForKids ○ The Little Debbie Little Lookouts Kids’ Club is now open for membership, which is $10 per child. Membership benefits include free admission to Sunday home games, an official Little Lookouts membership card + kids T-shirt, a drawstring backpack, and more. Don’t forget the peanuts and Cracker Jacks. ⚾
Coronavirus ○ On April 1, the health department added new COVID-19 vaccine appointments for April 14 and 15, 19-22, 29 and 30, and May 1-3 at Tennessee Riverpark. ○ The Hospice of Chattanooga Foundation announced the cancellation of its 2021 annual gala, Journey, due to the ongoing pandemic and will instead virtually showcase a short film called “A Brief Journey” on April 29 at 6 p.m. via the organization’s Facebook + YouTube pages. ○ Cempa Community Care, along with Galen Medical Group + the UTC School of Nursing, will offer a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination event at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, located at 4801 Hwy 58, on Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. They are free, but you must make an appointment.
TodayIs ○ Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. It always falls on the Friday before Easter. In observance, Hamilton County Government offices will be closed. The city’s garbage + recycling services will run Friday as usual.
Holiday ○ Sunday, April 4 is Easter, which is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Check out this guide for local Easter events.
Number ○ 20 million. According to national survey estimations, 20 million women + 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their life. Become more educated on eating disorders, how they can be prevented, and the signs + symptoms of disordered eating here. Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
While walking with her grandfather near a golf course, Elise discovered an orange ball that was hit out of bounds. Initially, it was fun just to collect them, but as they started to accumulate by the hundreds, Elise needed to find something to do with them.
She researched + found out they are worth $2, so she started selling them and she’s giving all the proceeds to the local society, which she picked because her family has four rescue dogs.
Keep up the amazing work. Elise for president — 2060. 👏
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #NOOGAtoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
Outdoors ○ Outdoor Country Market Season Opening | Fri., April 2-Sat., April 3 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Griffith House, 126 Leggett Rd., Sale Creek, TN | Free | Celebrate the season opening of the outdoor country market in Sale Creek. There will be all sorts of merchandise such as handmade crafts, antiques, clothing + free taste testing of homemade jams and jellies. 🛍️
TryThis ○ Black Light Ball | Fri., April 2 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co. | $15 | This drag rave will feature music, dancing, art, selfie stations, and more.
Saturday ○ Plant Swap | Sat., April 3 | 1-4 p.m. | Urban Horticulture Supply, 3009 Wood Ave. | Free | If you possibly got a bit too excited about planting when the weather turned warmer, trade some of those extra plants with fellow local gardeners. 🌱 ○ Chattanooga Rugby Games | Sat., April 3 | 11 a.m. | Montague Park | Free | Come out to support Chattanooga’s men and women’s rugby teams. The women’s game begins at 11 a.m. + men’s games will follow.
Sunday ○ 8th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt | Sun., April 4 | 2-3 p.m. | East Chattanooga Community | Free | Come celebrate Easter at William Jones-Odom’s 8th Annual Egg Hunt. The girl and boy with the most eggs will win an Easter basket + there’s a cash prize for the golden egg. Call (423) 505-1070 or send an email for more info and the location. 🥚 ○ Easter Cruise | Sun., April 4 | Various times | Southern Belle Riverboat | $19.95+ | Enjoy Easter on the Southern Belle. Choose from an Easter breakfast or lunch cruise, Easter dinner cruise or an Easter bunny sightseeing cruise.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Answered: We asked you earlier this week if you are planting spring or summer gardens. Here’s what readers said.
53% have everything ready to go 28% want to plant a garden but haven’t gotten started yet 19% are opting for store-bought veggies And no one responded that they don’t eat veggies. Hooray for that, even if we don’t totally believe it. 😉
🔄 Catch up on any newsletters you may have missed here.
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.
👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here.
